Le
Antichita di Ercolano (The Antiquities of Heculaneum)
was a collection of images of archeological
finds from the excavations at the Roman city
of Herculaneum. It was published over a 40 year
period from 1744 to 1792 as the excavations
continued. Many different artists and archeologists
of the day worked on it.

The
Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were
burried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius on
the morning of 25 August, 79 AD. It was not
until 1709 that the city of Herculaneum was
discovered when a peasant digging a well on
his property was astonished to uncover large
slabs of inscribed marble.

The
discoveries of Herculaneum and Pompeii fascinated
18th Century Europeans. Images such as these
of the art found during the excavations were
circulated to across the continent and helped
give rise to the neo-classical style.

These
are not reproductions, but authentic 18th Century
copperplate engravings on handlaid chainlinked
paper. Beautiful light even toning with a hint
of sepia.

A
marvelous complement to an empire style or Neo-classical
decor, they also look striking in a modern setting.